USM won't make same mistake twice

Jan. 4, 2013

We’re glad to see the University of Southern Mississippi is taking steps not to be the “fool” when it comes to its head football coach’s contract.

Although Todd Monken’s contract isn’t a done deal, the former Oklahoma State offensive coordinator signed a legally-non-binding “letter of intent” on Dec. 11 that outlines the parameters of his employment.

Monken’s deal will include an important piece missing from Ellis Johnson’s contract. The termination without cause clause states: “In the event, you obtain other employment after USM terminates your employment without cause, USM’s obligation to provide you with with liquidating damages shall be offset by any amount earned from your new employer.”

Imagine how different things would have been if that would have been included in Johnson’s contract.

Instead, the coach, who led his team to a disastrous 0-12 record before being shown the door, will collect $2.1 million from Southern Miss over the next three years — while making about $800,000 a year as defensive coordinator at Auburn.

So, how did that key part of the termination without cause clause get left out of Johnson’s contract?

That’s a question interim Southern Miss President Aubrey Lucas urged Faculty Senate members to ask during a meeting in December.

“You should be asking who dropped the ball in that contract,” Lucas said. “Who failed to put in that clause, which says that if you get another job you won’t be paid from here?”

The answer: Johnson.

According to Lucas, the coached demanded the clause not be included in his contract.

With Johnson not having signed his contract until Aug. 20, you’ve really got to wonder whether he saw the writing on the wall when it came to the success (or lack thereof) he would have with the 2012 football team.

Lucas has said the $2.1 million Johnson will be paid will come from private donors. But just think of what else that money could have been used for, especially considering the university’s athletic department is projecting a deficit in excess of $1.2 million for the 2012-13 fiscal year.

We’re glad to see Southern Miss officials have taken the necessary steps to safeguard the university from entering into another disadvantageous contract.